Another exciting Serie A matchday is behind us and it’s time to take a look at the two fixtures that took place on Monday. While Sampdoria grabbed a vital triumph at fellow relegation-threatened opponents Cremonese, Sassuolo pulled off another eye-catching comeback.
Let’s take a closer look at Monday’s proceedings.
Sampdoria finally break Serie A duck
Sampdoria claimed a precious 1-0 victory away to fellow Serie A relegation fighters Cremonese on Monday to register their first league win this season.
Nailed to the foot of the table, having won none of their opening ten league matches (D3, L7), La Samp headed into proceedings looking to take home all three points and La Cremo’s place in the standings.
However, things did not start well for Dejan Stankovic’s men as referee Fabio Maresca awarded a spot-kick to the hosts only six minutes into the game after consulting a side-pitch monitor.
Bruno Amione had tackled down David Okereke inside the box, presenting Cyriel Dessers with a golden opportunity to put Cremonese in front, yet Emil Audero had other plans.
In addition to denying the Nigerian’s bid to become the first Grigiorossi player to score in a hat-trick of Serie A fixtures since 1995, Audero bolstered the visitors’ bid to get off the mark.
Despite Cremonese keeper Marco Carnesecchi not being forced to make a save in the opening 45 minutes, Sampdoria made him get out of spectator mode when it mattered the most.
Manolo Gabbiadini broke one-on-one with Carnesecchi midway through the second half but failed to convert a glorious chance as the Cremonese shot-stopper came up huge to thwart his attempt from point-blank range.
However, Gabbiadini redeemed himself only moments later. He found enough space in the box to head the ball golwards, with Omar Colley tapping home to fire Stankovic’s men 1-0 up.
While Cremonese remain the only Serie A side yet to taste victory this season, Sampdoria registered their opening league triumph, yet they remain stuck in the drop zone.
Sassuolo come from behind to pour more misery on Verona
Inspired by sought-after midfielder Davide Frattesi, Sassuolo battled back from an early deficit to oust Hellas Verona 2-1 at the Mapei Stadium, reassuring their place in mid-table comforts.
It took Salvatore Bocchetti’s side only two minutes to find the opener through Federico Ceccherini. He whipped in a low cross that fooled everyone, including the home side’s goalkeeper Andrea Consigli.
Despite taking advantage in bizarre fashion, the Gialloblu failed to build momentum, instead allowing Alessio Dionisi’s men to take control of the game.
Sassuolo came knocking on Verona’s door a couple of times before Armand Lauriente picked the ball on the left wing and made a superb solo run to curl the ball home on the hour mark.
With teams going level into the second half, it felt like it was only a matter of time before the Neroverdi would turn the game on its head.
Who else but Frattesi to come to Sassuolo’s rescue? The in-demand midfield dynamo put the ball past Verona keeper Lorenzo Montipo at the 75-minute mark to complete the turnaround.
And while Sassuolo preserved their comforts in mid-table, Verona’s dreadful start to the season continues, with Bocchetti’s lads now languishing in 19th!